Bosham take big step forward in title race

Bosham showed off their Sussex League division three title credentials with a 5-0 rout of Langney to move nine points clear at the top of the table.

Alex Barnes bagged a treble to fire the Reds further towards potential title glory.

Bosham started well and created early pressure on the blue and blacks, looking for an early goal to settle nerves.

Manager Andy Probee and Ben Blanshard were suspended but Paul Sumnall made a welcome return along with Bradley Miles.

Only six minutes were on the clock when Bosham took the lead thanks to the quality instincts of Adam Brett.

Barnes surged in from the right and fired a shot goalwards. Keeper Leigh Sherwood fumbled the effort and Brett pounced to poke the ball home. Langney players called for an offside decision but their claims went unanswered.

The Robins continued to dominate and just after the half-hour, Barnes grabbed his first strike thanks to the great work of Marco Giambelardini, who bemused several players before setting the ball on a plate for Barnes to finish spectacularly into the roof of the net, with Sherwood unable to do anything to prevent it.

Bosham’s tails were up and frustrations were beginning to boil up for the visitors. Shane Saunders was lucky to receive just a stiff talking-to from referee Jamie Wells after a searing tackle on Kieran Carter.

The likes of Kasey Smith and Ben Saber did their best in midfield for Langney but Dave Bryant and Carter were strong in defence for the Robins and when a third goal arrived, it almost settled the game.

Barnes surged through a static defence and with only Sherwood to beat, he neatly found the bottom corner.

Bosham stepped up another gear and added two more before the end. Barnes deservedly nailed his hat-trick after being set up expertly by Brett but the best was saved til last.

James Wilson found the ball at his feet almost 30 yards out and tried a speculative effort on goal. It sailed over the stunned Sherwood’s head and into the roof of the net to seal on a perfect day in the office for the Robins.